MD. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS UNVEIL PUBLIC SAFETY AGENDA

Maryland Republican Senate and House members are again pushing for tougher crime legislation during the upcoming state legislative session.  During a Tuesday news conference in Annapolis, GOP lawmakers announced their 2024 Public Safety Agenda, which includes previously-introduced measures as well as several new proposals.  The Violent Firearms Offenders Act would increase sentences for crimes committed with an illegal gun while the Gun Theft Felony Act would make the theft of a firearm a felony rather than a misdemeanor.  Another bill aims to ensure that a violent offender serves their full sentence and eliminates bail for repeat, violent criminals.  Republicans are also seeking to reverse recent changes to Maryland juvenile justice laws.